HRC Blog

Chelsea Clinton Kicks Off Phone Banking for Marriage Equality in New York

Last night Chelsea Clinton joined more than 50 New Yorkers United for Marriage volunteers at 1199 SEIU Headquarters to kick off the coalition’s first week of phone-banking for marriage equality. Campaign volunteers reached out to thousands of supporters across all districts, asking them to urge their legislators to support full marriage rights for all New Yorkers this year.

On the same day that former President Bill Clinton endorsed marriage equality legislation in the Empire State, Chelsea briefly addressed the group after making patch-through calls to supporters.

“I was very grateful that my father gave me yet another reason to be proud,” Chelsea told the group. “It was the happiest day of my life to marry my best friend, and I believe every New Yorker should have that right.”

“Thank you all for being here this evening to thank your representatives. I know that we’ll get there, and hopefully before the summer,” she continued. “I couldn’t think of a better first year anniversary present.” She went on to thank the Human Rights Campaign and 1199 SEIU for organizing the phone bank.

The event kicked off what will be twice-weekly phone banks in an effort to pass marriage legislation by the end of the 2011 legislative session.